When it comes to addressing fine lines and wrinkles, what we put into our body can be just as important as what we are applying topically!

My clients achieve such fantastic results when we deploy a naturopathic approach to plumping out fine lines and boosting skin radiance. By incorporating collagen boosting foods, liver and gut renewing supplements along with natural phyto-actives such as super antioxidants, bio-available Vitamin C and ceramides, we can rebuild depleted collagen, strengthen the skin barrier and visibly revitalise the skin. Below you will find my top 6 easy to follow tips for youthful and radiant skin.

Let’s start on the outside....

A Naturopath’s top 3 skincare tips for Anti-Ageing

Conventional skincare actives can be of wonderful benefit when it comes to plumping out fine lines and visibly boosting skin radiance. However, choosing the right actives for your skin is essential.

My naturopathic approach to anti-ageing is all about strengthening the skin barrier, whilst simultaneously boosting collagen production and reducing trans-epidermal water loss.

Many actives that claim to work on immediate skin plumping do not provide long lasting results, may have negative side effects (especially if you have sensitive skin) or do not address the continual collagen depletion which is occurring in our skin.

The beauty of using phyto-actives is that we can achieve instant results without any irritation or side effects and at the same time boost collagen production whilst supporting a healthy skin barrier to visibly reduce signs of ageing 

Below are my 3 favourite topical tips for ageless skin:

1.    Swap to phyto-retinol

When it comes to retinol, I love the beauty boosting benefits, but also recognise that it can be sensitising or exacerbate pigmentation and skin dryness, which in the long term may work against us when it comes to plump, firm and bouncy skin.

Bakuchiol is the first plant-based natural alternative to retinol that does not produce any of the negative side effects often associated with retinol. Bakuchiol has been clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and multiple signs of ageing as efficiently as retinol, with a better skin tolerance.

Edible Beauty formulations use a phyto-retinol which is a functional analogy of retinol. It is phytochemically stable and has numerous studies backing its efficacy. The phyto-retinol used in our Beauty Reset Drops – Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative, has the scientific data (genomic, proteomic, in-vitro and cell-based assays) and clinical studies to demonstrate its ability to match, and in certain respects outperform the performance of retinol.

Clinical studies on this phyto-retinol show its ability to improve skin elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles by 25% in as little as 8 weeks!*

*Based on 2 studies on 14-16 participants applying the product twice daily for 6-12 weeks.

2.    Use ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier

Think of ceramides as the mortar between the bricks which are your skin cells. They help to hold skin together by forming a protective layer that limits moisture loss and protects against visible damage from pollution and other environmental stressors.

This means that they can not only help to rebuild our skin barrier, they can also assist in strengthening the skin from external and internal factors that may exacerbate signs of ageing.

Not all ceramides are created equal, with some easily oxidising or not facilitating delivery to the skin dermis. The ceramide used in & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair, Trisolve-P^TM is a natural ceramide and skin barrier recovery agent obtained by encapsulation by high pressure homogenization of Trehalose, Ceramides and Phytosterols into a lipophilic vesicle. This combination of ingredients mimics the composition of the cutaneous hydrolipid mantle, repairing it in case of damage.

3.    Incorporate super-antioxidant, plant-based Vitamin C

When it comes to naturally boosting collagen production, we all know vitamin C is king! But, as a naturopath my philosophy is focused on incorporating plant-based C, primarily in the form of Superox-C, derived from Australian native Kakadu Plum.

Unlike synthetic vitamin C, plant-based C does not oxidise as it is extracted using an innovative cellular extraction process and encapsulated in plant cell walls which ensures we are delivering potent, active vitamin C onto your skin.

Natural plant-based C is not limited to use in the evening as does not leave skin prone to UV sensitivity. It comes with an abundance of antioxidants which work to protect the skin from UV and free radical damage. Most important, the vitamin C used in our formulations has been clinically proven to boost collagen production, visibly reduce fine lines and boost skin radiance.

You will find naturally occurring Vitamin C in our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum and Turmeric Brightening Serum.

Now let's turn to the inside...

A Naturopath’s top 3 tips for anti-ageing from the inside-out

Topicals alone will assist our skin in rebuilding the skin barrier and boosting hydration however don’t provide the complete ant-ageing skincare solution. What you eat plays a major role in establishing harmony from the inside, out. Here are a few naturopathic tips that will not only get your skin back on track, but they will also have you feeling energised and radiant!

1.    Collagen building blocks are key

My approach to ageless skin is all about naturally providing the skin with the building blocks for collagen production. Doing this ensures that we are supplying the body with everything it needs to create collagen and prevent existing collagen from breaking down.

This approach differs to just taking a marine collagen or bovine collagen supplement, which are not animal-friendly/vegan and are hydrolysed or highly processed to ensure they can be absorbed by the gut.

The key building blocks to collagen production and my top plant-based sources for them include:

• Vitamin C: Kiwi fruit, guava, red capsicum and broccoli are abundant sources of vitamin C. Kakadu Plum is the world’s highest plant-based source of C. We blend this wit, Hibiscus and Sea Buckthorn our Native Collagen Powder. Just one teaspoon a day contains four times your RDI of Vitamin C. Drink this with water or incorporate into your daily beauty smoothie!
• Plant-based protein: Legumes, nuts and seeds, whole-grains and plant based protein from organic sprouted hemp, pea and brown rice provides amino acids which are instrumental in building our skin collagen. Skimping on protein means dietary sources of protein are shifted to our organs and muscles rather than connective tissue in our skin and hair. Aim for about 0.8 grams per kilo of body weight.
• Silica: Silica acts like a glue which binds our collagen together. I recommend using silica to strengthen hair, skin and nails and have sourced a highly bio-available source known as orthosilicic acid found sin our Beauty Dew – Hair, Skin and Nail Support.

2.    Eat more healthy fats

Essential fatty acids are a key component of the skin’s intercellular matrix. One of the key essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, plays an important role in the skin’s synthesis of ceramides, the lipid that keeps our skin barrier function is kept intact. 

Whilst topical application can support the skin barrier function, internal consumption is the key to dewy and bouncy, firm skin. By incorporating omega-rich foods like avocados, flaxseed and walnuts into your daily diet you can ensure that you are locking in skin moisture to keep your complexion firm, plump and supple. Bonus: Omegas boost brain and heart health.

3.    Keep your gut and liver healthy and happy

We all know how radiant and clear our skin can be after we embark on a cleanse! The reason these cleanses and detoxes tend to work so well, is because of the impact our gut and liver have on our skin. Not only do they both dictate clearance of hormones and toxins, they are also key regulators of blood sugar and inflammation, all of which when are out of kilter can impact our skin (and vitality) in a very significant way!

Ensure you are taking the time to regularly cleanse your liver and repair your gut. I love using herbal botanicals along with glutamine and bitter foods to do this and have made this easy with our 30 day Inner Essentials- Skin+Liver Cleanse tablets and Inner Essentials – Skin+Gut Renew Powder.

Edible Beauty Australia’s stance on “Anti-Ageing”

When it comes to anti-ageing action, we are pro-ageing and love to promote embracing the natural ageing process rather than 'erasing lines' and 'reversing time'. We believe you should be able to embrace your natural beauty no matter your age.